Category Archives: New Jersey

I am completely embarrassed that it took me so long to get to elements. I have visited Mistral downstairs numerous times for drinks and for dinner and have been impressed each time. I thus went into this dinner with high expectations and they were actually exceeded. I somewhat still can’t believe that I had this meal in the suburban town where I spend far too much of my life working. I am looking forward to a return visit as soon as I can talk another colleague into going!

I started with more than 60 and have narrowed it down as much as possible. In no particular order here are my top dishes of 2016, whatever ‘top’ means on any such lists. Largely these dishes are not representative of my favorite meals of 2016 and many are from what I would consider casual restaurants. They may not all be the best dishes technically but are the dishes that I could eat every day and often have cravings for. In the interest of fairness of I have disqualified the Au Cheval burger, the Humm Dog, Black Truffle Explosion, and Oysters & Pearls as well as all bread courses.

As seems to happen at least once a month I somehow did not note descriptions of any of these dishes. Perhaps because we sat at the bar and ordered a dish or two at a time, or perhaps because we had original intentions of only a snack but everything was so good that we kept ordering. Everytime I come here I think that it gets better and better. The burger was absolutely killer and I do not say that lightly (despite the non-Heinz ketchup on the side).

Each time that I visit Jockey Hollow I wish that I lived closer. On this particular date luckily a family get-together put me about half way there and so seemed like a perfect excuse for another meal in the Dining Room. I hate to repeat previous posts so I can summarize to say that this was a fantastic meal as always. My favorite dish turned out to be the one that on paper should have been my least favorite – the gnocchi with oysters and white asparagus, the latter two ingredients ones that I generally dislike. I love when that happens. But the two other pastas incorporating one of my absolute favorite ingredients – spring peas – were a close second. If you haven’t been here yet do yourself a favor and go!

I have had a wonderful time at all of the wine dinners I have attended in Montclair organized by local wine shop Amanti Vino. But this one I was definitely most excited about attending having greatly enjoyed quite a few Roagna wines (and my favorite being the Barolo Chianto). Luca Roagna is so energetic and engaging and it was an absolute pleasure to be able to hear him talk about these wines. This was my first visit to Laurel & Sage and I would definitely go back!

I’m not quite sure why the original Carrino Provisions did not really catch on when Talde next door seems quite popular. And based on this one visit I’m not sure if the re-do into Bell & Gray will catch on either. Something about the front space just isn’t very cozy and when empty it seems VERY empty. Service was incredibly friendly and everything we ordered was good. But overall the menu leans a bit too sports bar or heavy for my personal taste. I would definitely go back but perhaps not as frequently as next door.